Floor Lamps Essentials: Unusual Lamps by Mitsue Kido

Today in our weekly signature “Floor Lamps Essentials” we’re talking about unusual lampsthat really caught our attention since they result from a fusion of two completely different cultures. The lamps were designed by Chilean architect Mitsue Kido, who got back in touch with her Japanese roots to create contemporary reinterpretations of everyday objects that are used in Japan.

After opening her first studio in 2012, Kido developed a series of installations and works inspired by the art of origami which much later transformed into a passion for lamps. Kido is currently working in Kyoto, Japan, where she is thoroughly exploring the rich artisan tradition of the city and collaborating with several craftsmen.

The architect has worked alongside artisans who adopt traditional techniques like kanaami. Typically used for kitchenware, this approach combines copper, bronze, and steel to produce concentric weaving patterns.

By creating those lamps, Mitsue Kido highlights the essence of the everyday objects by dramatically altering their functions and therefore offering a new cultural reflection to the users.

Furthermore, using Japanese carpentry methods, she uses cypress wood to complete a floor lamp made out of three parts and evoking the country’s traditional landscapes. Other crafting techniques includes furokishi, typically employed for kimonos, which consists of wrapping objects in cloth.

The result: unique lamps for the eyes that perfectly blends tradition with a more contemporary, minimalist aesthetic. Chasen lamp, for example, evokes the tea whisk used in ceremonies. Simply perfect.

ABOUT THE DESIGNER

Mitsue Kido is a Chilean architect with Japanese origins. she graduated from the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile and is a participant in the young architects’ program organized by the museum of modern art (MoMA) in New York.

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